With all the spectacular fall weather we've been having lately, I decided to be spontaneous and have a tea picnic this weekend. How wonderful it was to spend my late Saturday afternoon, catching up on some reading and drinking delicious tea in my own backyard. This also gave me the opportunity to use my favorite traveling tea basket.
This is a reproduction of a traveling tea set manufactured in China in the late 1800's. Chinese workers would travel with this basket to work, so they could enjoy tea during their break.
This wicker basket has silver metal handles and a very elaborate silver hinged lock.
There is a teapot and two teacups nested inside.
The inside of the basket is lined with a bright floral fabric. There is firm structural interlining and padding. This creates the inner molds which hold the teacups and teapot safely in place.
I used a beautiful cotton tablecloth I purchased in Taiwan as my picnic blanket. It really complimented the traveling tea set and basket.
How gorgeous is this 40 oz. blue and white teapot? The intricate pattern is rich and bold! The slightly domed shaped lid has two finger cut-outs for easy access. The teapot resembles a round storage tea tin with a lid.
I enjoyed cup after cup of Wenshan Pouchong tea in these beautiful 2 oz. teacups. If you haven't tried Pouchong tea, I highly recommend you do! In Taiwan, Pouchong tea is not considered a green or oolong tea because the tea leaves are oxidized somewhere in between the two. This delightful tea is delicate, sweet and smooth. The sweet aroma is intoxicating!
Unfortunately, I had to cut my tea picnic short due to the arrival of some unexpected guest better known as "mosquitoes". I think they were attracted to the sweet aroma permeating from my teapot.
I'm looking forward to having more tea picnics this fall, but I will make sure I'm better prepared for unexpected visitors. LOL!
Have any of you ever had a tea picnic? I would love to hear from you! You might also want to take a moment to visit " Friends Sharing Tea" which is hosted by Bernideen. Every weekend, tea lovers from all over link together with Bernideen to share how their enjoying tea.
Blessings, Darlene
